Understanding HIV and STI Prevention for Youth at Higher Risk
Linkages between HIV/STI prevention and syndemic behaviors in high risk youth: Common factors and unique pathways
This project looks at how different prevention programs help young people, especially those from diverse backgrounds, reduce their risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11184249 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring why some HIV and STI prevention programs work better than others for young people aged 13-24, particularly youth of color and sexual and gender minority youth. Our team has already completed several intervention programs, including large randomized controlled trials, with over a thousand young participants. We found that while each program helped, the improvements were modest, and different types of interventions often had similar results. This new work aims to understand the shared elements that make these programs effective, rather than focusing on the differences between them, to develop more impactful prevention strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be youth aged 13-24, particularly those from communities historically at higher risk for HIV/STI infection, including young people of color and sexual and gender minority youth.
Not a fit: Patients who are not in the specified age range or who are not at higher risk for HIV/STI infection may not directly benefit from this specific prevention research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective and tailored HIV and STI prevention programs for young people, helping them stay healthier.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies by this team have shown that various prevention interventions can lead to significant, though small, improvements in youth behavior.
Where this research is happening
Farmington, United States
- University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt — Farmington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feldstein Ewing, Sarah W. — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Feldstein Ewing, Sarah W.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.